The central part of the church where the faithful stand during services, between the narthex and the sanctuary.
Naosul este „corabia” bisericii: spațiul mare, de obicei sub turla principală, unde se adună credincioșii. Spre răsărit îl închide iconostasul, iar spre apus îl desparte de pronaos un zid sau un șir de coloane.
În bisericile mari, naosul are absidele laterale (sânurile), unde stau strănile cântăreților. Pe pereți sunt pictate sfinți și scene din viața lui Hristos.
See also
- Choir stall (strana)The wooden stalls in the church; the cantors sing from the stalls in front of the iconostasis.
- IconostasisThe wall of icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave; it has three doors and icons arranged in a fixed order.
- Narthex (pronaos)The room at the entrance of the church, before the nave, where candles are lit and catechumens once stood.
- Tower (dome drum)The tower rising above the church, usually over the nave; inside, Christ Pantocrator is painted at its top.
In the same category
- Altar curtain (Armenian)In Armenian churches the raised sanctuary is closed not by an iconostasis but by a curtain drawn at certain moments.
- ApseThe semicircular or polygonal end of the church, usually to the east, where the altar stands.
- Bell towerThe tower or structure in which the bells hang; it can be attached to the church or stand separately.
- CellThe room where a monk or nun lives; also a small hermitage.
- Deacons' DoorsThe two side doors of the iconostasis, used by deacons and servers; archangels are usually painted on them.
- Guest house (arhondaric)The guest house of a monastery, where pilgrims and visitors are hosted.